SAPPER FAMILY FELICITATES THE COMMANDER OF THE ARMY
The 21st Commander of the Sri Lanka Army and the third Commander produced by the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers was warmly welcomed by all members of the Sapper Family on Thursday (2) at the Home of Sappers, Panagoda.\r\n\r\n The Colonel Commandant Major General Channa Goonetilleke RSP USP ndc psc warmly received the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General A W J C De Silva RWP USP ndu psc at the main entrance to the Regimental Headquarters where the Commander reviewed a Guard Turnout. A Squad of Drill Instructors then escorted the Commander to the Sappers War Memorial where the Commander paid a floral tribute in respect of the fallen war heroes.\r\n\r\n The Commander was then conferred with a Guard of Honour consisting with two Officers and 48 Other Ranks. There were significant audience fall in line around the Parade Ground to witness this very historic moment with evident pride. Afterward he sat for a group photograph with the victorious Sappers Drill squad who were rated the champions in the recently-concluded Army Inter Regiment Drill and Band Championship. \r\n\r\n Then, the Commander was escorted to the Office of the Colonel Commandant where members of the Council greeted the Commander subsequent to a briefing by the Colonel Commandant.\r\n \r\n More than one thousand Sappers took the pride of posing for a historical photograph with the Commander of the Army at the Parade Square took place next. Then the Commander addressed all troops who were present for the occasion and during his address Commander emphasized the importance of discipline, focus on career progression, enhancing the knowledge of languages, Courses, international affairs, etc. \r\n\r\n Leaving an indelible gesture in the premises, the Commander of the Army was invited to plant a tree sapling (Na Tree Sapling) at the SLE Regimental Headquarters which was followed by an all rank tea party, where the Commander took time off to share a few thoughts with the Sappers whilst enjoying the delicacies made by the Sappers. \r\n\r\n Lieutenant General Crishanthe De Silva after his historic schedule at Panagoda, made a beeline to the Engineers Camp Complex at Mattegoda and ceremonially opened the newly-constructed Sappers Cricket Stadium. Former National Cricketer, Roshan Mahanama added glamour and importance to the occasion as a Guest of Honour.\r\n\r\n The conclusion to the felicitation of the Commander of the Army was marked with a glamorous Mess Night at the Officers Mess where 150 Officers and their spouses took the conceit dining with the Commander and the lady. \r\n
